Mortgage Blog

Why work with Patricia McKean as your mortgage broker

December 29, 2025 | Posted by: Patricia McKean - Cochrane and Airdrie Mortgage Broker

This article is written by Patricia McKean, Mortgage Broker at Mortgage Architects, helping Alberta families make confident mortgage decisions every day: https://www.patriciamckean.ca

Most people don’t think much about their mortgage until they’re forced to make a decision, buy now or wait, renew or refinance, stay put or move on. If you’ve ever felt unsure about who to trust with those decisions, you’re not alone. We see that hesitation at the kitchen table all the time.

What this article covers

• What sets Patricia’s approach apart
• Experience that shows up when it matters
• How clients benefit in real terms
• A real-world case study
• Frequently asked questions

Experience that goes beyond transactions

In 2025 alone, we helped 142 households with home purchases, refinances, renewals, and equity planning, funding over $50 million in mortgages.

That kind of volume isn’t about chasing numbers. It comes from repeat clients, referrals, and steady trust built over years of showing up, returning calls, and fixing problems before they become expensive mistakes.

We’ve sat across the table from:

• First-time buyers trying to make sense of their options
• Families juggling debt and rising costs
• Self-employed clients with strong income but messy paperwork
• Homeowners unsure whether to renew, refinance, or sell

Those conversations shape how we work.

Clients don’t get pushed, they get guided

A mortgage should support your life, not box you in.

That means:

• Explaining penalties before you sign
• Stress-testing payments so surprises don’t hit later
• Choosing flexibility when life is likely to change
• Using equity carefully, not casually

In 2025, we also expanded our lender access and improved our systems so clients had more options and faster answers, without losing the personal side of the process.

Case Study: When the “cheapest rate” wasn’t the right move

One client came to us mid-renewal with a $520,000 mortgage balance.

They were offered a rock-bottom rate by their bank, but it came with:

• A restrictive penalty clause
• No prepayment flexibility
• No option to access equity if needed

We walked through two options side by side.

Option A

• Slightly lower rate
• Potential penalty of ~$18,000 if broken early

Option B

• Rate 0.15% higher
• Penalty capped around ~$6,000
• Annual prepayment privileges

They chose Option B.

Two years later, a job change forced a sale. The decision saved them roughly $12,000, money that stayed in their pocket instead of the lender’s.

That’s the difference between advice and sales.

Community matters, because this is where we live

Success isn’t just measured in funded files.

In 2025, we also supported local causes through donations, sponsorships, and community involvement. The same communities our clients live in are the ones we care about strengthening.

This business works best when it’s personal.

Looking ahead: why clients stay long-term

Heading into 2026, our focus is simple:

• Better tools that make the process smoother
• Clearer communication at every step
• A stronger client journey from first call to final payout
• Growth only matters if service improves with it

Glossary

• Mortgage Renewal – Replacing your existing mortgage when the term ends
• Refinance – Restructuring your mortgage to access equity or reduce debt
• Prepayment Privileges – Extra payments allowed without penalty
• Mortgage Penalty – Cost to break a mortgage early
• Equity – The portion of your home you truly own
• Term – Length of time your mortgage conditions are locked in
• Amortization – Total time it takes to pay off the mortgage

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a mortgage broker?

A broker helps compare lenders, structures, and penalties, not just rates.

Can a broker help even if my bank already approved me?

Yes. Approval doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your situation.

Do brokers only work with first-time buyers?

No. Many clients are renewing, refinancing, or planning ahead.

How does a broker get paid?

In most cases, the lender pays the broker, not the client.

When should I start the conversation?

Ideally 4–6 months before buying or renewing.

Call to Action

If you want a mortgage broker who explains the details, protects your options, and puts your long-term plans first, reach out to Patricia McKean for a straightforward mortgage conversation.

Choosing the right mortgage broker isn’t about chasing the lowest rate. It’s about working with someone who understands your full picture, explains your options clearly, and puts your long-term stability first.

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